NFL Insider Gets Honest on Tua Tagovailoa’s Chances to Play vs. Cardinals as IR Stay Ends on Sunday

Dolphins fans are itching to see their QB back on the field. Tua Tagalovia got placed on IR on Sept. 17 which means the first game he is available to play will be Week 8 against the Arizona Cardinals. However, there’s been no clear indication from the Phins’ camp if he will be activated during that game.

On the Rich Eisen Show, Tom Pelissero noted that Tua still needs clearance from an independent neurologist, which he doesn’t expect to be an issue given that Tagovailoa has consulted numerous experts without being advised against playing football.

Ultimately, as Pelissero put it, the decision regarding when he returns to the field will rest with Tagovailoa, his family, and his medical team.

Another insider, Adam Schefter, reported that Tagovailoa is “symptom-free” and appears to be on track to return to the field as soon as Week 8. While some seem optimistic about the Dolphins QB’s return, HC Mike McDaniel hasn’t confirmed if he will be back by Week 8.

McDaniel says Tua will be back this year

As Tua was carted off the field with his third reported concussion in two years, fans and pundits alike advised the QB to hang up his cleats. But it doesn’t seem like that is going to happen. While McDaniel didn’t confirm when Tua will be back, he did say that he expects the QB to play in 2024:

“As far as timelines go, I know he’s not playing this week and I do expect to see him playing football in 2024, but where that is exactly we’ll let the process continue since we still have time before we could even entertain anything.”

McDaniel was once again asked about the timeline yesterday, but stood firm on his stance to not say anything without expert opinion.

With the Dolphins’ offense struggling and many believing that Tua Tagovailoa could significantly improve their performance, fans are waiting with bated breath for his return. However, no official confirmation means fans will just have to wait and watch for now.